Bartley has signed for West Brom, despite heavy interest from Leeds United, who must now take their search for a new centre-back elsewhere.
Bartley, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Elland Road a couple of seasons ago, has all the attributes that Marcelo Bielsa will be seeking in a defensive recruit. Standing at 6’4”, and with a proven record of quality at Championship level, Bartley would’ve been the perfect signing to line up beside Pontus Jansson for the upcoming campaign.
With that option no longer on the table though, Leeds will have to find an alternative solution for their centre-back problem.
Despite strong showings when he played in the Championship for Newcastle United prior to their promotion, Mbemba managed even less game time for the Magpies after they became a Premier League outfit again.
With the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune ahead of him, becoming first choice at St James’ Park is always going to be tricky for the 23-year-old.
A move to Elland Road, where Mbemba has the quality to be a starter, would be a good move for him and the Yorkshire club.
34-year-old Wales international James Collins is available on a free transfer this summer after the expiry of his West Ham contract.
At his age, Collins may not be the week in week out player Leeds need. However, as a squad option with lots of experience, and who is available as a free agent, he’d be an excellent acquisition and would provide Bielsa some defensive depth to work with.
